It's ironic how we use social media and everything programmed into our cellphones to connect with our loved ones, our work, and the outside world. Here's the story: I left my phone after rushing out of my little Nolita shop the other night and instantly panicked the minute I reached into my coat pocket and realized it. My first instinct was to jump out onto the next subway stop and take a downtown train back to the shop. I mean, not only for the phone factor but me without my music (which I mostly keep on my phone) is like a car without its engine....it just doesn't work. Lol But I was exhausted...it had been a really long day. And all I really wanted to do was get home. So I took a deep breath and decided to let it go... Within a few minutes and as I was getting further and further away from where my (lonely) charging cellphone was, it became easier to part with it. And I convinced myself that if someone really needed to urgently contact me, they'd try me on my home line. (Yes, I still have one of those. LOL I personally don't like to talk on the cellphone and save long conversations with my loved ones for my house phone.) It's not so much that I'm addicted to my cellphone as much as it is having the convenience of it around at out beck and call. But in all honesty, it felt GREAT not to have it! It was liberating to let go... Perhaps I'll be "letting go" a lot more often next time. ;)

I have always been someone who thinks I can do it all...all by myself. It's never been out of feeling superior or not being able to trust other sources of help. I just think that it has always stemmed from never wanting to impose on anyone with a mix of accepting the challenges of the tasks at hand as growth. But when it comes to business, this truly no longer applies. I'm learning this more and more with every day, every task, and every responsibility. As an entrepreneur, you learn that you really just cannot do it all...point blank! There are some things that need to get done that of which you have zero knowledge. And even if you try to learn on your own, it just isn't enough to get it done as well as someone who specializes in and has made a job/career out of that necessary task for your business. It's funny how I like to call myself a "solopreneur" and that's because for the most part, I practically wear all the hats in my little business. To be honest, I really do just feel like a little kid playing as an adult. A little girl who just loves to create pretty things and make people smile with them, write deep words into a notebook, and dance my heart away. (It's no wonder I've pursued these three passions professionally.) Well, no matter how much of a child I still feel, the reality is that I'm grown now...very grown! Ha ha! You know that African proverb about taking a village to raise a child? Well obviously I'm no longer the child. Instead my small business is the child and I'm the mother who is part of that village now... So here's to starting that bonfire outside every villagers' huts to lure them outside for a little group meeting. I'll bring the marsh-ma....wait, they didn't have marshmallows back then. Sigh;(

I know I can do better when it comes to writing on my blog...ugh. There was a time when writing was the only thing I cared to do. And I vowed to be better at it this year again...really! But for now, follow me on Instagram for my somewhat daily visual diary and a lot of my one-of-a-kind and bespoke pieces of jewelry...but only if you'd like. https://www.instagram.com/Applegracedesigns/

Being an artist/jewelry designer entrepreneur is not easy whatsoever. It seems as if you can only make it if you hire a great PR firm or if a celebrity endorses your products or if you have a a large following on your social media outlets. And let's face it, most of those followers are usually bought through a service. But the bottom line is that I LOVE what I do. I'm living my dream of creating, designing, and spreading love and positive energy all under the same roof of "Apple Grace Designs." I thrive off of this and through this very outlet, I am further inspired to keep growing. But the reality is that it isn't at all glamorous or smooth sailing... Sales can be extremely volatile, competitors are always on the prowl for your designs, and work is non-stop, even on your days off. So when you receive an email such as this, you take it as a reminder from God, from the Universe...of why you "blood, sweat, and tears" your way through day in and day out for your art and what you believe in. Giving back is always on the agenda and even if it's on this scale as of now, I'm relieved to know that it still makes a difference.

I do apologize for abandoning my blog... Life happens and sometimes we are having way too much fun to stop and write about them. In my case, that doesn't apply entirely. Life has had its ups and downs, times of joy and sadness, lots of work and some fun... Well, there's been more work than fun for awhile now. But I'm learning how to do my checks and balances. All in all, life is BLESSED nevertheless! Although Summer is my favorite time of year, it seems as if it eluded me. So now...Fall. A time to fall in-love with both endings and beginnings. A time to put things away in their proper "compartments" and fall in-love with what's to come...or the very idea of them. I shall "begin" to write again and share my thoughts on here for anyone (even if it literally is just one) who wants to listen. Cheers to life! I shall return shortly...

I've been completely distraught over what has occurred in my birth country, the Philippines. Haiyan had no mercy and now thousands and thousands of lives have been lost. Millions have been displaced, injured, hungry, thirsty, and tragically distressed over the loss of loved ones. PLEASE consider donating...any way, any how. If you are donating goods, please make sure to donate appropriately for a smoother distribution: for example if you are donating canned goods, please consider donating cans with pull lids as they are easy access for the hungry people. Chances are that the distribution for can openers will not be feasible for most. Also, please consider sending respectable, decent clothing that are appropriate for the hot climate weather. If you are donating monetarily, there are many reputable charities on the ground doing amazing work there now and chances are you already have access to this list. If in case you are interested in the chosen ones I have personally donated to, they are UNICEF.ORG and GAWAD KALINGA ("To Give Care")-GK1World.com. My late mother worked for the United Nations for many, many years and I know in my heart that aside from traveling to the Philippines to physically help the vulnerable children and families, donating to the UNICEF is what she would wish for people to do. So it's my duty to spread the word... Last but NOT least, 50% of ALL PROCEEDS from ALL ORDERS placed from now until 12/31 will respectfully go to the Haiyan victims of my country. I would also be honored to work with any fundraising events or campaigns who are looking for auction/raffle prizes to raise money for this cause. PLEASE feel free to contact me at apple@applegracedesigns.com if you are interested. Thank you so much in advance! And to the strong, beautiful spirited people of my country...MABUHAY PHILIPPINES! My heart and prayers are with you all...